COVID & GREEN PASS FAQ

FIRST VACCINATION CYCLE

Registering for the first vaccination cycle in Lombardy is possible for citizens of all ages and nationalities, as long as they are either:

• holders of an Italian Health Card (tessera sanitaria)
• AIRE citizens
• holders of a valid European Health Card (EHIC) 
• holders of an Italian Fiscal Code

International students who fall in either category can register for vaccination on the dedicated regional platform at https://prenotazionevaccinicovid.regione.lombardia.it/come-prenotare-online. Specifically:

• If you have a tessera sanitaria, you can click on "Prenota il Vaccino" and insert your data
• If you have a EHIC card, you can call the toll free regional number 800 894545 (from an Italian phone number) and book with your EHIC card number
• If you are an AIRE citizen, you can click on "Prenota il Vaccino" and then on "Se sei un cittadino italiano iscritto all’A.I.R.E., [...] puoi gestire l’appuntamento al seguente link". Select "Italiano iscritto AIRE con Codice Fiscale" and insert your data.
• If you have a fiscal code, you can click on "Prenota il Vaccino" and then on "Se sei un cittadino italiano iscritto all’A.I.R.E., [...] puoi gestire l’appuntamento al seguente link". Select "Cittadino straniero con Codice Fiscale" and insert your data.
  If the system does not grant you access to the next step, it means you need to pre-register. When you click on "Prenota il Vaccino", select instead "Sei uno straniero in possesso del codice STP, [...] effettua una richiesta di abilitazione alla prenotazione al seguente link" and insert your data. You will need an Italian phone number for this (it can be yours or that of a friend). About 48 hours after pre-registration, you should be able to go back to the earlier step as explained above, and proceed with the booking.

For any trouble with the booking, you have to call the regional number 800 894545 (from an Italian phone number only).

BOOSTER VACCINATION

Registering for the booster vaccination is currently possible for:

• Citizens over 18 years of age
• Citizens with frail health conditions or immunocompromised
• Health workers
• Citizens vaccinated with Jannsen

You can book your third shot following the same procedure as for the first cycle (see above).

BOOSTER VACCINATION FOR NON-EMA APPROVED VACCINES 

Students who have been vaccinated with non-EMA approved vaccine in the last 180 days, can receive a booster dose with an EMA approved vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), no booking required. Those who have completed their first cycle since more than 180 days, have to book their vaccination with an EMA-approved vaccine through the Regional booking platform, as if it was a "first cycle" vaccination.

You can write to greenpass@mip.polimi.it to receive further guidance.

The “Covid Green Certificate” (or “green pass”) is a certificate that, within Italy, allows you to move from/to orange and red regions freely and for any reason, participate in public events or access certain services. The certificate can be issued by the Italian health authorities to attest you have either:

• been vaccinated with an EMA-approved vaccine (2 doses, or 15 days after the first dose) or a vaccine approved by the Italian Ministry of Health
• recovered from covid-19 in the last 6 months and you are no longer under prescription of self-isolation
• been tested negative with a molecular swab test in the last 72 hours
• been tested negative with an antigen swab test in the last 48 hours

The latest Law-Decree has implemented a change in the validity of the Green Pass obtained through vaccination (previously 12 months). As of November 26, the Green Pass is valid 9 months from the completion of the first cycle. If you have received the booster shot, the 9 months validity starts from the date of inoculation of the last shot. 

Moreover, from December 6 two types of Green Passes will be considered for the purpose of accessing different services:

• Green Pass Base: the green pass obtained from a negative covid test result. This will be accepted to access the university, local public transport and a number of other services
• Super Green Pass: the green pass obtained from vaccination or recovery. This will be necessary to access most shows, public events or cultural activities.

The Green Pass can be issued in Italy through a number of channels:

1. Through the Digital Green Certificate official website
2. Through the IMMUNI App (you need the tessera sanitaria)
3. With the help of your general practitioner or at pharmacies (you may need to be enrolled in the NHS)

If you have been vaccinated in Italy but you are not enrolled in the NHS, you will be able to obtain your Green Pass by visiting the dedicated official webpage and select "Utente non iscritto al SSN vaccinato in Italia".

From July 1st, 2021, the Italian Green Certificate has also become valid internationally, making it easier to travel within the EU. However for international travel, make sure to have a Green Pass that is compliant with the EU regulations. When it comes to vaccination, some Schengen countries may not accept the Italian Green Pass obtainable after one vaccine shot or one that has been obtained through a Covishield vaccination, but only one that attests you have completed your vaccination cycle with an EMA approved vaccine since at least 14 days.

For more information on how to obtain the Green Pass, read more on the Italian government's dedicated website.

For information on its purpose for travel in the EU, visit the European Commission's webpage.

The Italian government has signed an agreement with many pharmacies to provide antigen rapid tests, valid for the issue of digital certifications, at lower prices until December 31. Ctizens up to 18 years old can access rapid tests for €8, while older citizens can purchase them for €15.

Below you find a general list of private clinics that offer many types of covid-19 testing.

Please note that this list sohuld not be used as reference in case you need to get tested to end your self-isolation. For guidance on how to end your self-isolation effectively, please refer to the relative guidelines under the TRAVEL section.

MIP TESTING HUB – Free antigen rapid test for international students for classes at MIP
Located in Via Lambruschini 4C (outside MIP)
Opening hours: communicated by each Program Office every week
The test is free of charge, and no appointment nor referral is required. You must not have covid-19 symptoms to access, nor be under self-isolation. Bring your passport and fiscal code (if any).

CROCE ROSSA – Free walk-in antigen rapid test
Located at Piazza Duca D'Aosta (in front of Stazione Centrale, MM2-MM3)
Opening hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, every day
The test is free of charge, and no appointment nor referral is required. You must not have covid-19 symptoms to access, nor be under self-isolation. If you need the written test result, bring with you your health card or fiscal code.

PHARMACIES – antigen rapid test within walking distance of MIP
Farmacia San Luca - Via Antonio Carnevali, 70. E-mail: farmacia.sanluca@libero.it
Farmacia Imbriani - Via degli Imbriani, 35. E-mail: farma.imb@gmail.com

CENTRO MEDICO SANTAGOSTINO
Servizi Covid-19 - Centro Medico Santagostino
PCR test – 75€ (result in 3 working days)
PCR test Express – 90€ (result on the next day, before midnight)
Antigen rapid test – 30€
Serological test – 30€

ISTITUTO AUXOLOGICO ITALIANO
SEROLOGICAL TESTING AND SWABBING FOR COVID-19 AT AUXOLOGICO | Auxologico
PCR test – 90€ (result on the next day)
Antigen rapid test – 45€
Serological test – 40€ (result in 24 hours)

*Patients who do not have a tax code, can fill out the lab results delivery form with the temporary tax code they were given upon admission and that is shown in the invoice.

CUP SOLIDALE
Tampone Covid 19 Molecolare (Pcr) a Milano prenotazione immediata
PCR test – starting at 90€ (test result ready the next day)
Antigen rapid test – 45€
Serological test – 35€

GRUPPO SAN DONATO
Prenotazione Tampone Nasofaringeo per COVID-19 negli ospedali Gruppo San Donato
Test sierologico COVID-19 negli ospedali Gruppo San Donato
Go to the booking page. In the seach bar, write “sars-cov” and choose among the 3 available options.
PCR test – starting at 80€ (result in 72h)
Antigenic rapid test – 36€
Serological test – 46€ (result in 48h)

SYNLAB ITALIA
Synlab Italia - Modalità di accesso al servizio di tamponi Covid - Lombardia
PCR test – 50€ (result starting from 24 hours later)
PCR test with guaranteed result – 100€ (result in 24 hours, downloadable online)
Result in English – surcharge 10€

PCR and serological tests can be booked through the APP MYSYNLAB or the website www.syncoda.synlab.it.

Read below a list of general information for the white area:

We strongly recommend all students enroll into the National Healthcare System (NHS), which gives access to free visits at a general practitioner of choice and reduced fees on specialized visits. Non-EU students can enroll after applying for the permit of stay in Italy. Learn more about it at the Health Cover section or download the guide on how to enroll.

Immuni is the exposure notification App of the Italian government, developed by the Extraordinary Commissioner for the COVID-19 Emergency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Innovation Technology and Digitalization.

Its purpose is to notify users at risk of carrying the virus as early as possible, in order to minimize its spread and facilitate an early diagnosis. To learn more about how it works, visit Immuni's official website at https://www.immuni.italia.it/.

While downloading the App is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended by the Italian government, as every single user increases its overall effectiveness.

You can also use it to request your Digital Green Certificate if you have a tessera sanitaria (NHS Italian health card).

Health Ministry Number (for general information in Italian, English and Chinese): 1500

After hour on-call doctor in Milan: 116 117

Regional Healthcare Number: 800 89 45 45

Emergency Number: 112

In addition to the general healthcare glossary on the ISO webpage, find here a glossary pertaining to the covid-19 emergency, which will help you communicate your needs or issues to sellers and doctors.

*In Italy, face masks can be bought at pharmacies and parapharmacies

As a rule it is 14 days, but it can vary according to the situation. Below you find general information, but please note that you should follow the instructions your GP or the health authority gives you.
A note: “self-isolation” refers to the period of isolation for confirmed positive cases; “quarantine” refers to the period of isolation for healthy people, necessary to monitor suspected cases.

WHAT IF I’M POSITIVE ASYMPTOMATIC CASE?
People who tested positive but are asymptomatic can end their self-isolation after 10 days from the notification of positivity, only if they receive a negative result on a molecular test taken after the 10 days period.

WHAT IF I’M A POSITIVE SYMPTOMATIC CASE?
People who tested positive and are symptomatic can end their self-isolation after 10 days from the manifestation of symptoms (without considering loss or alteration of sense of taste and smell, which can last longer), only if they receive a negative result on a molecular test taken after at least 3 days without symptoms.

WHAT IF I’M A LONG-LASTING POSITIVE CASE?
People who, despite being asymptomatic, keep being tested positive, can end their selfisolation after 21 days from the manifestation of symptoms if they do not show symptoms for at least one week (without considering loss or alteration of sense of taste and smell, which can last longer). This criteria can change depending on the health department’s evaluation, which will also take into account the immune system of the interested party (immunodepressed patients can remain contagious for longer).

WHAT IF I’VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A POSITIVE CASE BUT I’M ASYMPTOMATIC?
People who have been in close contact with positive cases and have been identified by the health authorities, must:

• Quarantine for 14 days, from the last day of contact with the positive case, OR
• Quarantine for 10 days, from the last day of contact, only if they receive a negative result on an antigenic or molecular test taken on the 10th day.

WHAT IF I’VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A “VARIANT COVID-19” POSITIVE CASE?
People who have been in close contact with positive cases of covid-19 variant and have been identified by the health authorities, must quarantine. They are usually contacted as soon as possible by the local health authority for a first molecular test. Quarantine can end only starting from the 14th day, and with a negative test result.

Finally, find below other general recommendations that regulate the activity of health offices:

• Those who live with or regularly come in contact with fragile people should take the molecular test at the end of the quarantine;
• Kids should have different access to testing;
• Close contacts of close contacts (i.e. those who have not been in direct contact with a confirmed positive case) are not required to quarantine or test, unless the direct close contact is later confirmed to be positive, or unless the health office decides a group screening is necessary;
• The regular use the Immuni App should be promoted.

Source:

• www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioNotizieNuovoCoronavirus.jsp?li ngua=italiano&menu=notizie&p=dalministero&id=5117
• http://www.salute.gov.it/portale/nuovocoronavirus/dettaglioFaqNuovoCoronavirus.js p?lingua=italiano&id=244#7
• https://www.regione.lombardia.it/wps/portal/istituzionale/HP/DettaglioRedazionale/s ervizi-e-informazioni/cittadini/salute-e-prevenzione/coronavirus/covid19-rientro-incollettivita

International students may fall into one of these cases:

1. Students without a Covid-19 Green Pass Certificate, but with an equivalent certificate, in conformance with what is set out in the Circular issued by the Ministry for Health on 30 July 2021.
2. Unvaccinated students: these students must carry out a swab test every 48 hours until receiving their first anti-Covid vaccination. The regional authority Regione Lombardia is carrying out a vaccination campaign for all foreign students, including students who are not registered on the Italian National Health Service.
3. Students who have received a cycle of vaccines not approved by EMA: these students must carry out a swab test every 48 hours, while waiting for further indications from the Ministry of Health about the time they need to wait before receiving a vaccine approved by EMA.

With regard to accepted vaccination certificates, note that, according to what is set out in Recommendation (EU) no. 2021/816 dated 20 May 2021, vaccination certificates must indicate the following:

• Data identifying the certificate holder (name, surname, date of birth).
• Data about the vaccine (vaccine name and batch number).
• Date/s when the vaccine was administered.
• Data identifying the certificate’s issuer (Country, Health Authority).

Vaccination certificates, both digital an on paper, must be written in one of the following languages:

• Italian
• English
• French
• Spanish

Should the student’s certificate not be written in one of these four languages, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Vaccination certificates have the same validity as the Covid-19 Green Pass (EU Digital COVID Certificate) issued by Italy’s authorities.

For the purposes above, as of today, the vaccines accepted in Italy and authorised by EMA are:

• Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech)
• Spikevax (Moderna)
• Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)
• Janssen (Johnson & Johnson)
• Covishield (Serum Institute of India, product under license AtraZeneca licence)
• R-CoVI (R-Pharm, product under license AtraZeneca licence)
• Covid-19 vaccine-recombinant (Fiocruz, product under license AtraZeneca licence).

Certificates stating that the holder has recovered from being ill with Covid-19 (Certificate of Recovery) must contain the following:

• Data identifying the certificate holder (name, surname, date of birth).
• Information of the holder’s previous infection from SARS-CoV-2, after receiving a positive test       result (date of first positive test).
• Data identifying the certificate’s issuer (Country, Health Authority).

Certificates of Recovery from Covid-19 both digital and on paper must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Certificates of Recovery have the same validity as Italy’s Covid-19 Green Pass.

How to get an equivalent certificate:

If you need an Equivalent Green Pass Certificate, please go to this link: https://covid.ats-milano.it/?q=segnalazione_certificazione_verde_covid19

The link will open up a questionnaire, and you must fill in all the fields. If you have received two doses of the vaccine abroad, please answer YES to the question “Are you already vaccinated?”. This will open up a menu where you can insert the data about your vaccination and upload the certificate stating that you have been vaccinated.

If, instead, you have recovered from being ill with Covid-19, please answer YES to the question “Have you been infected with Covid-19 within the past year?”. Here also, you will be shown a menu where you can input information about your recovery and upload your certificate.

ATS Milano will process your information and, if the certificate from a foreign issuer complies with the Italian Ministerial Circular requirements, you will be issued with an Equivalent Certificate.

From Monday, 16 August 2021, all university students, including from other regions and countries, can book an anti-Covid-19 vaccination through this platform prenotazionevaccinicovid.regione.lombardia.it.

To book your vaccination, first click on “University students in Lombardy” (“Studenti universitari in Lombardia”), and then on “Book” (“Prenota”), which opens a page where you are asked for your fiscal code and national health service number. Input these data and proceed with your booking.

Should you be unable to access the booking page directly, you must pre-register by clicking on the button “Request clearance” (“Richiedi abilitazione”) and input your data. The pre-registration process takes 24 to 48 hours, after which you will be able to book your vaccination on the platform.

NOTES FOR STUDENTS WISHING TO BOOK A VACCINATION BUT NOT IN THE ITALIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

If you are a foreign student and are not registered on the Italian National Health System, you can still book your vaccination by asking to be registered. To do so, you do need to have an Italian fiscal code. Italian and non-Italian nationals living abroad can ask for an Italian fiscal code at the Italian Consulate in the country where they live.

If you are in Italy, you must go to your nearest Revenue Agency (“Ufficio delle Entrate”), located in the city where you are living.

You can see the complete list of Revenue Agency offices in Lombardy at  http://lombardia.agenziaentrate.it/. When you go to the agency to ask for a fiscal code, remember that you need to have your passport with you.

Once you click on the booking link given above and enter the booking system, the process is as follows:

INFORMATION ON YOUR REGISTRATION TO THE ITALIAN NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM REGISTRATION

We highly recommend that all international students register on the Italian National Health System, especially in the light of the ongoing pandemic.

To do so, students from outside the EU must first request a residency permit.